John,
Today I joined Vice President Kamala Harris at the unveiling of the YMCA of the Northeast Bronx. Together, we discussed the importance of implementing the Build Back Better Agenda and our future efforts to invest equitably in working families and communities who have been left behind.
As a former educator, I have seen first hand in so many ways how the early years of a child's life are the most precious and essential. In contrast, I have also seen how the effects of disinvestment, redlining, poverty, community violence, and lack of resources in Black and brown communities have impacted the lives of our children and working families.
At every level of government, it is our job to make sure that we turn a new page to ensure that our communities are given targeted and reparative investments — that starts with the Biden administration's Build Back Better Agenda.
But even as the call for bigger and bolder policies grow louder across the country, Conservative Democrats and corporate lobbyists are pulling out every play in the book to block our progressive policies — like the expanded Child Tax Credit, free community college, paid leave, climate action and more. Moderates like Sen. Manchin and Sen. Sinema are actively advocating for ways to slash key parts of the Agenda in order to move towards a vote — all the while, progressive leaders are holding the line and refusing to compromise.
Expanding child care, pre-k, paid family leave, and including the expansion of the Child Tax Credit are all crucial steps towards transforming the lives of thousands of families not only in NY-16, but all across the country. In the Bronx, one in five children live in poverty, and over 75% of children in my district are expected to benefit from the expanded Child Tax Credit, with 9,200 children in our district being lifted out of poverty.
I've said it before but this bears repeating: Poverty is a policy choice. And when we talk about improving educational outcomes and economic opportunity, that starts with policies that uplift working families and the poor, address climate change, and undo the impacts of environmental racism. Bold, public investments in care for people, communities, and the environment can anchor the rebirth of our country and secure our future.
In our work to transform the landscape of our government, we must continue bringing powerful representation and leadership to those who are disenfranchised and listen to each other's needs as a community. And we won't let the Build Back Better Agenda be diluted because politicians are putting profits over their constituents' needs.
All of what we aspire to achieve on behalf of the working families of this country is possible when we come together and continue fighting for our progressive values. John, if you stand with me and our progressive coalition as we hold the line and fight for our values, please chip in to our movement today to help strengthen our fight to pass the Build Back Better Act and bring bold solutions to our communities.
Peace and love,
Jamaal Bowman
P.S. To learn more about the Child Tax Credit and how it could benefit you and your family, click here for a comprehensive breakdown of the package.
